mrmondo

Have a bit over 225,000 miles on the old girl. Been having an issue when pulling my boat up a steep hill at highway speeds. She gets to spitting and sputtering badly. Did a tune up, new plugs, cap and rotor and wires. Better but still had the issues. Been getting a 420 code and have a new cat and O2 sensors to install yet. Was wondering, should I go ahead and replace the distributer which also could be part of the problem I am told. Recently talked to someone who use to own a gas station that also did auto maintenance. He said with that high milelage I should think about putting a new timing chain set on. What do you all think? I know I need the cat, and could be the problem but with the high miles and since I am not looking to get rid of her I am thinking about this. Otherwise she is in good shape with a tranny replaced 2 and a half years ago and rearend recently rebuilt.

Allan In NE

Did you remember to replace the fuel filter?


Allan

mrmondo

Well trying to remember when the fuel pump was replaced. About a year ago or so I think, a new filter was added at the time. Mechanic did say there was a lot of crap in the old one which probably messed up the old fuel pump. Reckon I should change it too. Got to get it ready for boat towing season in a few months. So thinking all what I should do to get rid of the problem. Has dropped in MPG from 15 to 13.5 per tank and that was before I added weight for winter. Been averaging 15.03 MPG total with best at 19.24 all highway no load and worst at 10.55 pulling the boat. Imagine a bad cat could be part of that problem too have an exhaust leak after the cat and before the muffler but don't think that should bother the MPG much. I do need to keep better records on maintenance.